Safe Ways to Ease Baby Teething Pain at Home

Filtered by Oral Health Goal

Why teething pain happens

The primary cause of baby teething pain is the pressure of new teeth pushing through the gums¹. As a tooth moves towards the surface, the gum tissue can become sore, swollen, and highly sensitive, leading to discomfort for your baby. This irritation can begin even before a tooth is visible. The constant pressure on the gums often explains common behaviours like increased drooling, a strong urge to chew on things, and general fussiness. This is your baby's natural way of trying to relieve the pressure and soothe their tender gums.

Teething chart: when baby teeth usually
come in

A teething chart can give you a general idea of which teeth to expect and when, helping you anticipate and understand your baby’s discomfort. Below is a simple chart outlining the typical order and timing of tooth eruption.

Simple teething chart table

Type of Tooth	Typical Age Range²	Common Signs Parents May Notice
Lower Central Incisors	6–10 months	Increased drooling, chewing on hands
Upper Central Incisors	8–12 months	Fussiness, rubbing gums
Upper & Lower Lateral Incisors	9–16 months	Disrupted sleep, wanting to bite down
First Molars	13–19 months	More intense discomfort, crankiness
Canines	16–23 months	Swollen gums, changes in eating habits
Second Molars	23–33 months	Significant fussiness due to their large size

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. It is perfectly normal for your child’s teeth to appear slightly earlier or later than these general timelines².

Common teething symptoms to look for

Recognising the signs of teething can help you respond to your baby’s needs more effectively. While every baby is different, here are some of the most common teething symptoms to look for:

More drooling than usual: Teething stimulates saliva production, so you may notice your baby’s chin is often wet.

Chewing on fingers, toys, or clothing: The counter-pressure from chewing can provide temporary relief from gum pain.

Swollen or tender gums: You may see or feel that your baby’s gums are red and slightly puffy where a tooth is coming through¹.

Fussiness or interrupted sleep: Discomfort from baby teething pain can make your baby more irritable than usual, especially at night.

Mild change in eating habits: Some babies may refuse to eat or drink because their gums are sore, while others may want to nurse or bottle-feed more for comfort.

These signs often appear a few days before a tooth erupts and subside once the tooth has broken through the gum³. Gentle support for soothing teething gums during this time can greatly reduce your baby's discomfort.

Teething symptoms vs illness: how to tell the difference

It is easy to attribute every fussy moment to teething, but some symptoms may indicate an illness instead. Understanding the difference is key to keeping your baby healthy. Teething typically causes mild, localised discomfort. In contrast, symptoms like a high fever or vomiting are not normal teething symptoms and warrant a call to your doctor⁴.

Teething symptoms vs illness warning signs table

Symptom	More Likely Teething or Illness³?	What Parents Should Watch For
Drooling & Chewing	Teething	Normal behaviour to relieve gum pressure.
Mild Gum Swelling & Redness	Teething	Localised to the area where a tooth is erupting.
Mild Fussiness/Irritability	Teething	Comes and goes; baby is still generally playful.
High Fever (above 38°C)	Illness	A high temperature is not a sign of teething and may indicate an infection⁵.
Vomiting or Diarrhoea	Illness	These are not linked to teething and could be signs of a stomach bug.
Widespread Rash	Illness	A rash on the body is not a teething symptom.
Severe Lethargy or Inconsolable Crying	Illness	If your baby is unusually sleepy or cannot be comforted, it’s a red flag⁴.

If your baby’s symptoms seem severe or you are ever in doubt, it is always safest to consult your paediatrician.

Teething fever: what’s normal and what’s not

The idea of a teething fever is a common but often misunderstood topic⁵. While some studies suggest a very slight rise in body temperature can occur when a tooth is breaking through, teething does not cause a true, high-grade fever. A temperature above 38°C is typically a sign of an underlying infection or illness that is happening at the same time as teething. If your baby has a fever along with other symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or diarrhoea, it is important to look beyond teething as the cause and speak with a healthcare professional.

Safe teething remedies for babies

When your little one is struggling with baby teething pain, you want to provide relief quickly and safely. Here are some gentle and effective teething remedies for babies.

Cool, gentle comfort measures

One of the best ways for soothing teething gums is through gentle, cool pressure.

Offer a clean, solid (not liquid-filled) teething ring that has been chilled in the refrigerator (not the freezer).

Let your baby chew on a clean, cool, wet washcloth.

Use a clean finger to gently massage your baby’s sore gums in a circular motion.

Provide extra cuddles and comfort, as your reassuring presence can be very calming.

Feeding and routine support

A consistent routine can provide a sense of security when your baby is feeling out of sorts.

Try to maintain calming routines around naps and bedtime to help your baby settle.

If your baby has started solids, offer cool, soft foods like yoghurt or unsweetened applesauce, as these can be soothing on the gums⁶.

Create a soothing oral care routine

Keeping your baby’s mouth clean is important, especially during teething. A gentle oral care routine can also provide comfort. When your baby is ready for a toothbrush, choosing one designed for their delicate mouth can help make brushing a more comfortable experience. The DARLIE Cutie Bunny Toothbrush (Age 2-5) is specially designed for children aged 2 to 5 and uses soft tapered bristles with tips less than 0.01mm thick for gentle yet effective cleansing. Its cushion head helps protect tender gums, while the Cutie Bunny design can make brushing feel more enjoyable for little ones.

Remedies to avoid during teething

While looking for teething remedies for babies, it is crucial to know what to avoid. Some popular but unsafe options can pose serious risks.

Teething gels or numbing products: Over-the-counter topical pain relievers containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants, as they can lead to a rare but serious condition⁶.

Amber teething necklaces: These are a choking and strangulation hazard and there is no scientific evidence that they work⁷.

Frozen items: Objects that are frozen solid, like a frozen teething ring or bagel, can be too hard and may bruise your baby’s sensitive gums.

Home remedies not designed for infants: Avoid using any remedies or medications that are not specifically approved for your baby’s age group.

Simpler, gentler, and supervised methods are always the safest choice for soothing teething gums.

Baby oral hygiene tips during teething

Good oral hygiene is important from day one and becomes even more so as teeth begin to appear. It helps keep your baby comfortable during teething and establishes healthy habits for life.

Clean gums and new teeth gently

Even before the first tooth appears, you can gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean, damp cloth after feedings. As soon as the first tooth emerges, it is time to start brushing.

Build a simple daily routine

Make brushing a consistent part of your baby’s morning and evening routine⁸. Keep it short, gentle, and positive. For children in the milk-teeth stage, JOLLY JUNIOR 2-6 years Toothpaste contains food grade ingredients⁹, uses no added sugar and no animal originated ingredients, and combines fluoride with calcium to help support anti-cavity care for thinner enamel. It also includes xylitol that is not easily fermented by cavity-causing bacteria, offers gentle cleansing and care, and comes in a gel format that can be more appealing to kids.

Natural integration of DARLIE oral care products

As children grow, choosing age-appropriate products can support a lasting oral care routine. JOLLY JUNIOR 6-12 years Toothpaste is designed for the mixed dentition period and contains food grade ingredients⁹ with no added sugar and no animal originated ingredients. Its formulation with fluoride and calcium helps resist cavities, while vitamin E supports good oral health. The toothpaste also provides gentle cleansing and care in a gel format that can better attract children to brush regularly.

For younger kids who are just starting to build brushing habits, DARLIE Bunny Kids Pump Toothpaste – Fruity Delight uses food grade ingredients¹⁰ and comes in an easy pump format that dispenses just the right amount with one pump. The sparkling coloured gel and fruity flavour can make brushing more fun, while calcium helps strengthen teeth, fluoride helps fight cavities, the low-foam formulation helps minimise irritation, and the formula contains no sugar added.

When to seek medical attention?

While most teething symptoms are mild and manageable at home, it is important to know when to contact a doctor. Teething and illness can sometimes overlap, so do not assume every symptom is related to a new tooth.

Contact your paediatrician if your baby has:

A high fever (above 38°C)

Persistent crying or seems to be in severe pain

Trouble feeding or drinking for an extended period

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes)

Unusual sleepiness or lethargy

Any symptoms that do not seem to fit typical teething

Always trust your parental instinct. If something feels off or you are worried about your baby’s health, getting them checked by a professional is the best course of action.

Conclusion

Navigating baby teething pain is a common journey for every parent. Although it can be challenging, this phase is temporary and can be eased with safe, gentle care. By understanding the common teething symptoms, knowing the facts about teething fever, and using a teething chart as a loose guide, you can feel more prepared and confident. Simple routines, comforting measures, and a focus on safe teething remedies for babies can help both you and your little one get through this developmental milestone more smoothly.

1. HealthHub Singapore. Baby’s First Tooth - https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/babys-first-tooth

2. American Dental Association. Baby Teeth Eruption Chart - https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething

3. National Health Service (NHS) UK. Tips for helping your teething baby - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/teething-and-tooth-care/teething/

4. KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Common Childhood Conditions - Fever - https://www.kkh.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/fever-in-children

5. Macknin ML, et al. Symptoms Associated With Infant Teething: A Prospective Study. Pediatrics - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10742315/

6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Risk of Serious and Potentially Fatal Blood Disorder Prompts FDA Action on Oral Over-the-Counter Benzocaine Products - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/risk-serious-and-potentially-fatal-blood-disorder-prompts-fda-action-oral-over-counter

7. American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Warning for Parents - https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/7337

8. Ministry of Health Singapore. Caring for Your Child's Teeth (0-2 years old) - https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/caring-for-your-childs-teeth-(0-2-years-old)

9. Over 90%(w/w) of ingredients in formula meet food grade standard

10. Over 80% of ingredients in formulate meet food grade standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does baby teething pain usually last?

A: Discomfort from baby teething pain is not constant. It typically comes and goes, lasting for a few days around the time each tooth erupts through the gums³.

Q2: Can teething cause fever?

A: Teething may cause a very slight rise in temperature, but it does not cause a true teething fever (a temperature over 38°C). A high fever usually indicates an underlying illness that requires medical attention⁵.

Q3: What are the best teething remedies for babies?

A: The safest and most effective teething remedies for babies are simple ones. These include offering a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger, providing extra cuddles for comfort, and maintaining a gentle oral care routine.

Q4: How can I tell if it’s teething or illness?

A: Look for symptoms beyond mild fussiness and drooling. High fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, a widespread rash, or severe lethargy are warning signs of illness, not typical teething symptoms. Refer to the comparison table above for more details.

Q5: When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

A: You should start brushing as soon as the very first tooth appears⁸. Use a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to begin a simple and consistent daily routine.